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Sabre strategy: players have amazing freedom to choose their path in the game.

Game of the week

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith
Lords

Runs on: Xbox, PC

Price: $99.95

Classification: M15+

Rating: * * * *

This encore to 2003's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
masterpiece offers an intriguing, darker story that provides
another captivating role-playing adventure set five years after the
original. This time, you play a Jedi who has lost the connection to
the Force.

The most striking feature is how a player's decision to follow
the light or dark side of the Force dramatically affects the
character's fate. Players have amazing freedom to choose their path
and it is up to you whether you are the Jedis' last hope or whether
you try to crush them forever.

If you can invest countless hours, you will discover familiar
and new locations inhabited by fascinating races and droids.
Character interaction, dialogue and voice acting are superb and you
can subtly influence allies with persuasive comments.

The distinctive turn-based combat system remains unchanged and
some players will wish for a more hands-on role. However, players
can battle more opponents, construct weapons and utilise many new
Force powers.

Unfortunately, cut-scenes and some drawn-out "go fetch"
assignments are marred by long loading times, which can be
frustrating.

Endgame: More new elements would have been
welcome, but The Sith Lords is another epic and fascinating Star
Wars adventure.

The Settlers: Heritage of Kings

Runs on: PC

Price: $89.95

Classification: G8+

Rating: * * *

The fifth chapter in the Settlers series has finally switched
from 2D visuals to impressive 3D. To aim for a wider audience the
creators have designed a more accessible game with

a shorter learning curve and fewer micro-management duties. The
series has ditched its cartoon cast and replaced them with a more
realistic assortment of medieval characters.

The game has two sets of tasks: building a settlement and
defending it. To establish and expand your base you must gather
resources and construct various buildings.

Some construction is ongoing, while other structures require
research and refined technologies. Much of this aspect of the game
is devoted to learning what materials and technologies are needed
to build or upgrade structures, then carrying out the tasks.
Unfortunately, because there are fewer resources than in previous
versions, this becomes repetitive all too quickly.

The other main component is combat. Your choice of fighting
forces includes swordsmen, bowmen, spearmen, cavalry and, an
addition, heroes with special abilities. Armies help defend your
cities and can raid neighbouring villages as your city expands.

After the main 30-mission quest, a handful of multiplayer games
awaits the eager online.

Endgame: Heritage of Kings fails to redefine
the genre, but is a positive direction for the ageing series.
- Mike Wilcox